Babcock, Holland talk about what’s next and who’s next while visiting Griffins game

 

By Pat Evans –

GRAND RAPIDS – Mike Babcock was doing his job Sunday at the Grand Rapids Griffins series-clinching win against the Toronto Marlies.

The Detroit Red Wings head coach was in the upper level above the stands watching prospects alongside general manager Ken Holland, with whom he drove to the game with.

Both said there were discussions on the 2.5 hour ride up I-96, but nothing more.

“Don’t read into anything right now,” Babcock said between the second and third period.

He also said he has team meetings this week and next, and he’ll likely be at the Griffins games this week and will be headed to the World Championships next week to see first-round pick and Waterford native Dylan Larkin.

“I plan on going to Worlds to watch Larkin,” he said. “It’s business as usual. I’m here watching because it’s my job.”

Holland also will be headed to the tournament in Europe, mainly to watch Larkin.

“I know he wants to make a decision at the end of the year, at Worlds,” Holland said of Larkin’s decision on whether to turn pro or head back to the University of Michigan.

Both Holland and Babcock had good things to say about several Griffins players.

Holland noted forward Teemu Pulkkinen and defenseman Alexey Marchenko, as both played in Detroit this season. He also gave credit to the team’s scouts for identifying talent that can come in and perform at a high level, such as Tyler Bertuzzi, who scored twice in three games during the playoffs.

Babcock seconded Holland’s sentiments on Pulkkinen, but added forwards Tomas Nosek and Andreas Athanasiou. He said Bertuzzi has been good in his short time coming to the American Hockey League, but needs to “put some meat on his bones.” He also mentioned defenseman Nick Jensen as a player on the back end that skates well.

He’s not worried about Pulkkinen’s relative lack of scoring – five goals – in his 31 games in the NHL this season. He led the AHL with 34 goals despite playing just 46 games.

“He’s a scoring machine here,” Babcock said. “At the NHL he has to learn to play a little bit, that’ll take some time. He’s a legitimate threat to score here every night, why can’t that happen at the national hockey league?”

The Griffins will continue their search to bring back the Calder Cup to Grand Rapids on Wednesday with a game against Rockford at Van Andel Arena. Both Holland and Babcock are likely to be back in attendance.

American Hockey League playoffs offer an amazing chance for players to develop into NHL talent, Holland said. Two years ago, the Calder Cup run by the Griffins contributed immensely to the Red Wigns’ future.

“When I came here two years ago, there was almost a Stanley Cup buzz around the city and around the outside of the building,” Holland said. “When you’re talking about young players, it’s a great experience to prepare them for the next jump.”

Holland wouldn’t comment on Grand Rapids head coach Jeff Blashill’s chances of the Red Wings job if Babcock leaves, but did have high praise for the coach.

“Half or more of our team in Detroit over the last two years has come from Grand Rapids and there’s more on the way,” Holland said. “Jeff is an NHL coach in the making. I think he’s done a fabulous job and he’s an important guy in our organization overseeing the development of our future.

“You look at the job he’s did at Western Michigan, Indianapolis, here. He seems to be able to win at every level.”